houser



March 3, 1964 D. B. HOUSER 3,123,265

TAPE DISPENSER Filed Sept. 11, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. FIG-1.4 DAN B. HOUSER A4 4, @Af/fl w ATTORNEYS March 3, 1964 D. B. HOUSER 3,123,265

I TAPE DISPENSER Filed Sept. 11, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIGIZ INVENTOR.

DAN B. HOUSER ATTORNEYS United States Patent Ofilice 3,123,265 Patented Mar. 3, 1964 3,123,265 TAPE DISHENSER Dan B. Houser, Deer-field, 11., assignor to Fedco Corporation, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Filed Sept. 11, 1961, Ser. No. 137,377 6 Claims. (Cl. 225-19) This invention relates to a tape dispenser especially adapted for adhesive tape. The dispenser finds important application in dispensing resilient adhesive tape, particularly, of the elastomeric type.

Electricians and similar tapes frequently are difiicult to tear when it is desired to separate a length of tape from a roll. A sharp tool such as a 'knife or a scissors is required, or a tape dispenser having a cutter mechanism is employed. Prior tape dispensers having cutting devices are lacking in convenience, are expensive, or are not durable.

An important object of the invention is to provide an improved tape dispenser having means for cutting the tape, which is characterized by its markedly increased utility and convenience.

Another object is to provide a tape dispenser which is well suited for dispensing strong resilient adhesive tape.

A particular object is to provide a dispenser which secures the end of a roll of tape after cutting a length from the roll, so that the tape end is ready for grasping to remove additional tape from the roll.

Another particular object is to provide a dispenser which may be used to advantage in taping an article, particularly, in Winding tape around an article, and which then is employed to cut the tape safely and conveniently.

A further object is to provide a tape dispenser embodying a simple, inexpensive, strong and durable construction and arrangement of parts.

These and other objects, advantages and functions of the invention will be apparent upon reference to the specification and to the attached drawings illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention, in which like parts are identified by like reference symbols in each of the views, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of the'tape dispenser, adapted for cross cutting tape dispersed therefrom;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view on a reduced scale of one of the two sections of the dispenser;

FIG. 4 is an axial cross-sectional view taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 3; 7

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view on a reduced scale of the remaining section of the dispenser, as it appears when laid over from its assembled position on top of the section of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an axial cross-sectional view taken on line 66 of FIG. 5;

'FiGS. 7- 11 are sequential views illustrating the use of the dispenser in Winding tape around a pair of wires, FIGS. 7, 9 and 11 having one section removed for illustrative purposes and corresponding to FIG. 3, FIG. 8 being a fragmentary perspective view of the dispenser adjacent the dispensing opening and the cutter blade, and FIG. being a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken substantially on line 10-10 of FIG; 2; and

FIG. 12. is a fragmentary elevational view corresponding to FIG. 2 of an alternative embodiment for cutting tape on the bias.

The tape dispenser of the invention is especially suit able for dispensing elastomeric or other resilient adhesive tape, and it may also be employed with other types of tape. Elastomeric adhesive tape is commonly fabricated of plasticized vinyl copolymer, and it is tough and resilient. The tape has good dielectric properties and a low moisture absorption rate. Consequently, is used widely by electricians, linemen and others, e.g., to cover the bare portions of the joints formed when uniting the ends of insulated wires. The tape is not readily torn or ripped, and therefore must be severed with a sharp instrument. The wiring operation frequently makes it difficult or inconvenient to sever lengths of tape, and to leave the roll of tape in a condition suitable for subsequent rapid and convenient use.

The tape dispenser of the present invention is very advantageous for manual taping operations, reducing the hand operations and the time required. The new construction enables the user to apply tape to an article by moving the dispenser relative thereto, around the article in the case of winding tape on wire. The dispenser then is moved in another direction relative to the article to sever the tape. Thereupon, the tape end which remains and extends from the dispenser engages the dispenser in a manner such that another length of tape may be removed conveniently. After initially securing the tape end on the article to be taped, only one hand is needed for the operation.

Referring to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the new tape dispenser is indicated by the number it} in FIGS. 1 and 2. The dispenser includes a tape holder or container 12 in the form of a relatively shallow circular hollow body, which is composed of a pair of complementary interlocking circular cover and base sections 14 and 16, respectively. The dispenser includes a transverse or upstanding axial hub 18 extending between the sections.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 3-6, the base section 16 in the illustrative embodiment is the deeper section, and it receives a roll of tape 29 (FIG. 7) therein. The section includes a flat annular bottom wall 24 and an integral central upstanding hub portion 18a. The hub portion has a slightly upwardly and inwardly tapered circular tubular wall 22 which holds a roll of tape loosely therearound to permit the roll to turn. A thin annular ledge as is integral with the hub portion and the bottom wall at their junction. The ledge provides a bearing surface for the base of the roll of tape, which minimizes the resistance to turning.

The cover section includes a flat annular top wall 28 and an integral central depending hub portion 1812. A thin annular ledge 39 is integral with the latter hub portion and the top wall at their junction. The ledge provides a bearing surface for the top of the roll of tape.

' The holder sections 14 and '16 are held together by a friction fit. The cover section hub portion 18b includes a circular tubular wall 32 which fits within the wall 22 of the mating base section hub portion Eda to assemble the complete hub 13. The upper end 36 of the base section hub wall 22 has a slightly enlarged inside diameter. A series of vertical ribs 34 project in- Wardly from the end portion 36 in spaced apart relation around the wall. The cover section hub wall 32 fits within the base section hub wall 22 in frictional engagement with the ribs 34.

The tape holder 12 includes a circumferential side wall 37 (KG. 1) which is coaxial with the hub 18 and encloses the roll of tape 26, except for a dispensing opening in the wall, as subsequently described. The side Wall of the holder is made up of several walls or wall sections on the cover and base sections.

An arcuate lower side wall 38 (FIG. 4) is integral with the bottom wall 24 of the base section 16. A coextensive arcuate upper side wall 39 having a greater radius is integral with the lower side wall around its outer periphery, and a ledge 46 is formed within the base section at their junction. A plurality of ridges 42 are formed on the inner surface of the upper side wall 39, in spaced relation around the wall, and they extend upwardly from the ledge 46 to points spaced below the upper edge of the wall.

An arcuate side wall =44 (FIG. 6) is integral with the top wall 26 of the cover section 14. The side wall is circumferentially coextensive with the upper side wall 39 of the base section, and it is in part telescopically received within the latter, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The edge of the cover section side wall 44 is seated on the ridges 42. in the base section. The ridges limit the telescopic nesting and thereby assist in providing a rigid construction.

The lower side wall 36 of the base section 16 is integral :at its respective opposite ends with two trans versely enlarged arcuate wall portions 4-8 and 56 (FIGS. 2 and 3) having the same radius as the lower wall. The enlarged wall portions extend to the under surface of the cover section top wall 28 when the holder 12 is assembled, and they interlock with the respective ends of the cover section ide wall 44, in abutting relation at the joints 52 and 54 illustrated in FIG. 2. By this construction, the holder sections 14 and 16 are prevented from turning appreciably relative to each other around the hub axis.

The cover section 14 is provided with arcuate side wall portions 56 and 58 (FIG. which are disposed on the back surface of .the respective enlarged wall portions 4'8 and 56 on the base section 16 when the sections are assembled, to reinforce the construction. The arcuate portions on the cover section are integral with or joined to the principal side wall 44 of the cover section, and their outside radius is substantially the same :as the inside radius of the principal wall portion.

The tape holder 12 thus constitutes a strong and rigid construction of interfitting and interlocking holder sections 14 and 16. The hub portions 16a and 18b interfi-t in frictional engagement to hold the sections together securely; yet the sections may be pulled apart easily. The Wall sections interfit and interlock to maintain the sections in their proper positions relative to each other.

The enlarged transverse side Wall portions 48 and 50 of the base section 16 terminate in parallel transverse margins 60 and 62 (FIGS. 2 and 3) respectively, which define a narrow transverse tape dispensing slot or opening 64. The arcuate wall portions 56 and 58 on the cover section 14 disposed within the respective enlarge wall portions 48 and 56 include respective transverse margins 76 and 72 which define a preferably slightly enlarged transverse slot 74 (FIG. 5) registering with the base section dispensing slot 64.

On the outer surface of one enlarged wall portion 48 of the base section, an integral tape cutter blade 65 extends outwardly and is inclined towards the dispensing slot 64-. The cutter blade includes an outer beveled and pointed or V-shaped cutting edge 66. The blade is supported by a brace 67 normal thereto and integral therewith and with the outer surface of the enlarged wall portion 48. The adjacent margin or edge 60 of the same wall portion constitutes a tape supporting or holding surface on which the tape bears when a length is severed by the cutting edge.

A lip or flange 63 is integral with the remaining en larged wall portion 56 at the margin 62 thereof and ex tends outwardly from the wall slightly inclined away from the dispensing slot 64 for the full length of the margin. The lip provides a tape receiving surface on that side of the slot, for iadhesively securing the tape end in a manner to be described subsequently.

An identical pair of guard rail flanges 76 and 78 (FIGS. 3 and 5) are mounted on the respective cover and base sections 14 and 16. They are integral with and constitute extensions of the cover section top Wall 28 and the base section bottom wall 24, respectively. The flanges are generally V-shaped with rounded extremities, as indicated at 86 and 81. They are inclined outwardly toward the cutter blade 65 from one side of the blade and from beyond the transverse slots 64 and 74, as indicated by the incline 82. on the base section flange 78. file flanges extend in spaced parallel relation adjacent the opposite borders 86 and 88 of the cutter blade, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 8.

The lower edge of the lip 68 is integral with the base section flange 78, thereby reinforcing the construction adjacent the dispensing slot 64. An integral lug 90 (FIG. 5) depends from the cover section flange 76 and is spaced outwardly from one side wall portion 56 of the section, for securing the top edge of the adjacent base section enlarged wall portion 48 therebetween to strengthen the construction.

The cutter blade 65 is separated from the dispensing slot 64 by a distance represented by the length of the wall segment 96 (FIGS. 2 and 3) between the margin 60 on the enlarged wall portion 48 and the blade. In severing a length of tape from the roll 20, as illustrated in FIGS. 7-11, a strip 98 from the roll is extended through the slot 64 with the adhesive side facing the lip 68. The reverse side of the tape is extended over the wall segment 96 and is caused to bear on the supporting surface pro vided by the transverse wall margin 60. The tape is moved against the pointed edge 66 and is increasingly pierced by the edge until a length, indicated at 100, is severed.

Thedistance of the cutting edge 66 from the dispensing slot 64 is such that the remainder of the tape strip 98 extending through the slot returns from the cutting edge to adhesively engage the tape receiving surface provided by the lip or flange 68, with the terminal portion 101 of the strip extending outwardly from the lip. The strip tends to return in this manner due to the coiling of the tape in the roll 20, which is in a direction from the cutting edge to the engaging lip. The provision of a dispensing slot 64 which is narrow insures that the tape will reach the side thereof opposite to the cutting edge and engage the lip along that side. This engagement is especially good when the tape has substantial resiliency, as in the case of elastomeric tape which is provided with a pressuresensitive or other adhesive surface on the side facing the lip 68. In the process of the severing the length of tape, it is placed in tension and stretched from its support on the wall margin 66 to the cutting edge 66 as the tape descends on the pointed edge. When the tape length is severed, the remainder of the strip 98 snaps back towards the lip 63 and adheres to its face. Thereafter, another length may be removed conveniently by grasping the outer end portion 161 of the strip of tape extending through the slot.

The cutter blade 65 is adapted to produce a substantially straight out or severed end across the tape. The cutting edge 66 of the blade is oriented relative to the wall margin or tape supporting surface 60 to provide a substantially straight line relationship of the distances from the wall margin to the respective points on the cutting cent to the peripheries of the sections.

edge. Thus, the tape segment 101 as shown in FIG. remains of the same uniform length corresponding to equal distances from the margin 60 as the tape descends on the blade 65. Ideally, the cutter blade would be arcuate with the axis of curvature lying along the margin 60. In practical application, a flat blade 65 in the form of an isosceles triangle is provided, and it is arranged in parallel to the wall margin 60. The blade is inclined towards the wall margin to provide an angle B of approximately 90 degrees between the tape segment 101 and the central longitudinal blade axis AA when the tape is at the midpoint of the axis in the process of cutting the tape. The height or altitude of the blade 65 and the length of the wall segment 96 are correlated with the blade inclination in providing the foregoing angle. Employing a relatively short blade, shown approximately to scale in the drawings, the deviation from a straight cut is small and a substantially straight cross cut is made in severing the tape.

Similarly, a substantially straight bias cut is made by employing the embodiment of FIG. 12. A cutter blade 65 is constructed and mounted in the same manner as the blade 65 of the preceding embodiment, except that the transverse axis of the blade extends obliquely relative to the wall margin 60. For example, the blade may be turned 45 degrees about the longitudinal axis AA from the position of FIG. 10, to provide the same angle between the blade 65' and the margin 60.

The guard rail construction provided by the flanges 76 and 78 enables safe and convenient taping with one hand once the end of the tape is afiixed to the article. For example, two wires 102 may be taped together simply by revolving the dispenser 10 around the wires in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 7. The wires and the tape are safely kept away from the cutter blade 65. When the wires have been wound, the dispenser is turned in the opposite direction as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 9. By pressing the dispenser against the wound wires and turning the dispenser, the wires are caused to ride up the inclines 82, over the rounded portions 80 and 81 of the flanges and thus away from the cutting edge 66, and down the inclined portions 84. The wall margin 60 on the cutter blade side of the dispensing slot 64 is slightly beveled or rounded on its outer edge, to assist in pulling the tape thereover as the wires ride on the flanges. During the operation, the tape is guided between the flanges 76 and '7 8 onto the point of the cutting edge, and the tape is severed as described above. It is not essential that the Wound wires ride on the flanges, but this method will serve to tighten the tape on the wires. The flange outer portions 80 and 81, extending outwardly beyond the cutter blade 65, protect the wire and its covering from being pierced by the blade at all times until the tape is severed.

As illustrated particularly in FIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of spaced parallel transverse ridges 104 are embossed on the outer surface of the enlarged wall portion 50 of the base section on the far side of the lip 68 from the dispensing slot 64. When the tape is not in use, the tab end 101 (FIG. 10) may be bent down over the lip and adhesively secured to the embossed surface. The ridges enable ready removal of the tab end when it is desired to use the tape. A similar group of ridges 106 is provided on the surface of the adjacent enlarged wall portion 48, be yond the blade 65, and this area may be employed for temporarily holding lengths of tape preparatory to use.

The flat outer surfaces of the top wall 28 and the bottom wall 24 on the respective holder sections 14 and 16 have circular beads 108 and 11% (FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 6) embossed thereon, which are spaced from and adja- These beads are provided for nesting and stacking purposes.

The complete dispenser may be constructed in two unitary sections 14 and 16 of molded or otherwise formed plastic, which in a preferred embodiment is high impact polystyrene. Such a construction is lightweight and strong. Alternatively, the sections may be made in separate parts which are joined together. As a specific example, the cutter blade 65 may be a separate part, especially when a different material of construction is desired. In certain applications, such as in a dispenser for glass tape, the blade may be constructed of metal and joined to a plastic tape holder.

The invention thus provides a safe, convenient and reliable tape dispenser. A length of tape is readily removed from a roll, secured on an article, and severed from the roll, following which the dispenser is ready for removal of another length. The dispenser is easy to use and an article may be taped rapidly with but a minimum use of the hands. At the same time, the risk of cutting the article being taped and its covering is obviated.

It will be apparent that various changes and modifica tions may be made in the construction and arrangement of the parts within the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that such changes and modifications be included within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a tape dispenser including a tape holder, the combination of means providing a tape dispensing opening in said holder, a cutter on the outer surface of said holder extending outwardly therefrom and disposed in spaced relation to one side of said opening, means providing a tape supporting surface between said opening and said cutter, said dispenser thereby being adapted for dispensing tape by extending a strip of tape through said opening, and causing the tape to bear on said supporting surface for frictionally restraining the tape while moving it against said cutter, and guard rails means on said holder adjacent opposite borders of said cutter and extending outwardly beyond the cutter, said guard rail means being adapted for relative movement thereon of an article being taped, from one side of said cutter to the other and over the cutter for severing the tape, while holding the article away from the cutter.

2. A tape dispenser as defined in claim 1 wherein said cutter includes a pointed edge inclined towards said opening.

3. A tape dispenser as defined in claim 1 wherein said guard rail means comprises a pair of guard rail flanges extending in parallel relation from one side of said cutter nearer said opening to the other side, said flanges being inclined outwardly towards said cutter from said one side thereof and extending outwardly beyond the cutter in the vicinity thereof, and being inclined inwardly away from the cutter on said other side thereof.

4. A tape dispenser as defined in claim 1 including a V tape receiving surface adjacent to said opening on the opposite side thereof to said tape supporting surface, said cutter being spaced from said opening a distance whereby when said strip of tape is cut to sever a length of tape with the tape adhesive side facing said receiving surface, the tape end extending from said holder returns to adhesively engage the receiving surface.

5. A tape dispenser as defined in claim 4 including a plurality of transverse ridges disposed beyond said tape receiving surface on the outer surface of said holder for adhesively securing said tape end.

6. An adhesive tape dispenser comprising a pair of complementary interlocking sections joining together to form a tape holder, a transverse hub in said holder for mounting a roll of adhesive tape to turn thereon, a transverse outer wall on said holder in spaced relation to said hub, a pair of spaced transverse margins on said wall defining a transverse narrow tape dispensing slot therebetween, one said margin providing a transverse tape supporting surface on one side of said slot, a transverse tape receiving flange at the remaining said margin on the 0pposite side of said slot, a transverse cutter extending outwardly from the outer surface of said wall on said one side of said slot in spaced relation to said supporting surface, said cutter including a pointed edge inclined towards said slot, said dispenser thereby being adapted for dispensing tape by extending a strip from a roll of tape on said hub through said slot with the adhesive side facing said receiving flange, and severing a length of tape by causing the reverse side of the tape to bear on said supporting surface for frictionally restraining the tape while moving it against said cutter, said cutter being spaced from said slot a distance whereby when the tape length is severed, the remainder of the strip extending through said slot returns to adhesively engage said receiving flange with the terminal portion of the strip extending outward- 1y therefrom for grasping the strip, and a guard rail flange on each said holder section respectively adjacent opposite borders of said cutter and extending in parallel relation from one side of the cutter nearer said slot to the other side, said flanges being inclined outwardly towards said cutter from said one side thereof and extending outward- 1y beyond the cutter in the vicinity thereof, and being inclined inwardly away from the cutter on said other side thereof, whereby said flanges are adapted for relative movement thereon of an article being taped from said one side of the cutter to the other and over the cutter for severing the tape, while holding the article away from the cutter.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,837,180 Bennett et a1 Dec. 15, 1931 2,586,346 King Feb. 19, 1952 2,600,904 Morgan June 17, 1952 2,709,049 Weis May 24, 1955 2,790,609 Hawthorne et a1 Apr. 30, 1957 

1. IN A TAPE DISPENSER INCLUDING A TAPE HOLDER, THE COMBINATION OF MEANS PROVIDING A TAPE DISPENSING OPENING IN SAID HOLDER, A CUTTER ON THE OUTER SURFACE OF SAID HOLDER EXTENDING OUTWARDLY THEREFROM AND DISPOSED IN SPACED RELATION TO ONE SIDE OF SAID OPENING, MEANS PROVIDING A TAPE SUPPORTING SURFACE BETWEEN SAID OPENING AND SAID CUTTER, SAID DISPENSER THEREBY BEING ADAPTED FOR DISPENSING TAPE BY EXTENDING A STRIP OF TAPE THROUGH SAID OPENING, AND CAUSING THE TAPE TO BEAR ON SAID SUPPORTING SURFACE FOR FRICTIONALLY RESTRAINING THE TAPE WHILE MOVING IT AGAINST SAID CUTTER, AND GUARD RAILS MEANS ON SAID HOLDER ADJACENT OPPOSITE BORDERS OF SAID CUTTER AND EXTENDING OUTWARDLY BEYOND THE CUTTER, SAID GUARD RAIL MEANS BEING ADAPTED FOR RELATIVE MOVEMENT THEREON OF AN ARTICLE BEING TAPED, FROM ONE SIDE OF SAID CUTTER TO THE OTHER AND OVER THE CUTTER FOR SEVERING THE TAPE, WHILE HOLDING THE ARTICLE AWAY FROM THE CUTTER. 